Abstract
Background
Communication between clinicians and the laboratory staff occur via laboratory request forms (LRFs). Proper utilization of these forms enhances operational efficiency in healthcare by providing patients' samples along with their bio data and clinical details. This study aimed to assess the level of completion of LRFs at Msambweni County Referral Hospital- clinical laboratory (MCRHCL).
Methods
This study assessed the variables entered on LRFs that were sent to the MCRHCL during the month of February 2022. The checklist was used to audit the presence or absent of the following variables; patient name, sex, age, telephone contact of patient and requesting clinician, patients’ hospital number, patient residence, destination (clinicians’ location), name of doctor, type of specimen, time and date of collection, investigation required, clinical history and provisional diagnosis in LRFs. Data was collected and analyzed using in Epi Info 7 where descriptive statistics were calculated.
Results
Out of 272 sampled LRFs, none contained complete information for all required parameters. Patient name and requested test fields were fully and accurately completed for all patients. Patient age, gender, and the name of the requesting clinician were provided and accurately recorded on over 98% of the LRFs. However, there was a notable deficiency in recording the time of specimen collection, with percentages of 0.0%, for patient and clinician telephone contacts, 0.74%, and 1.47%, respectively.
Conclusion
Clinicians may lack awareness of the significance of completing LRFs adequately. Therefore, regular orientation programs should be implemented to enhance the effectiveness of LRFs completion.